In 2021, NAB took a significant step forward as the first Big Four bank to offer Islamic finance for businesses seeking over $5 million, opening up a new world of possibilities for Muslim business owners across Australia. This meaningful shift gave these businesses access to funding that truly aligns with their values.

Building on this commitment, NAB was proudly named ‘Best Islamic Bank in Australia’ at the 2025 IFN Islamic Finance Awards and the 2025 Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards, highlighting its leadership in this rapidly growing sector.

Fast forward to early 2025, and demand is booming. NAB has seen an 28% increase in its Islamic finance business customers over the previous 12 months. In New South Wales alone, customer numbers have surged by 54%, a clear sign that more businesses are seeking values-aligned finance. For brokers, it’s a chance to play a meaningful role in supporting their customers with solutions that reflect their principles.

As momentum builds, it’s more important than ever for brokers to understand how they can support their customers with Islamic Finance.

What makes Islamic finance different to traditional finance?

Islamic finance operates differently to traditional lending, because it’s guided by the principles of Islamic Law. One of the most important distinctions is that instead of interest-based loans, Islamic financing agreements tend to be participatory in nature. This means that they are typically structured as either leasing, profit-share or some sort of fee for service arrangements.. To stay true to these values, NAB created a tailored finance solution with a lease-to-own and agency structure built to global Islamic finance standards that is competitive in market.

This financing can be used to support customers with commercial property development, construction projects, purchasing commercial property, land, or buying equipment and livestock. It’s also available to businesses that don’t have property to offer as security.

Why this matters for brokers

There’s a growing opportunity for brokers who understand Islamic finance to connect with an expanding market of customers seeking culturally and values-aligned financial solutions. Offering specialised finance that respects these principles helps brokers build trust and grow their customer base in a competitive environment.

To support brokers in this area, NAB provides access to a dedicated network of 50 accredited bankers nationwide who have undertaken religious and cultural awareness training. This ensures brokers and their customers receive expert guidance tailored to the unique requirements of Islamic finance.

NAB remains the only major Australian bank in the Big Four to offer Islamic finance products, and its offering is endorsed by Amanie Advisors, a respected global Shariah advisory firm, giving customers peace of mind.

Dr Imran Lum, Head of Islamic Finance at NAB, highlights the bank’s approach:

“Our specialist team understand the industry and have strong community connections. Supporting businesses with tailored services is central to NAB’s inclusive banking philosophy. It’s rewarding to see how this finance offering is enabling businesses that previously struggled to access funding to now thrive.”

As demand for tailored financial solutions continues to grow, NAB’s leadership in Islamic finance reflects its dedication to serving all communities, providing brokers with a valuable opportunity to tap into niche markets that are often overlooked by mainstream lenders.